Purpose

Indiana University Environmental Health and Safety (IUEHS) developed this Program to establish guidelines for the maintenance, safe operation and use of aerial lifts by Indiana University employees. The Program requires training for those authorized in aerial lift operation to assure that operators have a basic understanding of related hazards and safe operation of the specific equipment used by employees.  This Program is intended to comply with the OSHA standard contained in 29 CFR 1910.67 which applies to Vehicle-Mounted elevating and rotating work platforms. 

Scope

This Program applies to the all Indiana University Departments that set-up, maintain and/or operate an aerial lift.  Aerial lifts include all powered or manually operated personnel lifting devices being operated by Indiana University personnel regardless of location.  The Aerial Lift Program applies to the following lift types:

• Telescoping: ex. scissor lifts and vertical man lifts. The personnel basket or platform only goes up and down. There are no hinged sections in the boom. This type is generally used indoors.

• Articulating: ex. construction-type lifts. The personnel basket or platform can be maneuvered up, down, over, and sideways. There are one or more hinged boom sections. This type is generally used outdoors.

• Boom Trucks: The personnel basket or platform is located on a vehicle. There may or may not be hinged boom sections. This type is used outdoors for painting or overhead power line access. The boom may or may not be insulated for electrical hazards. 

Inspections

Prior to operating an aerial lift, the employee shall perform a pre-operation safety inspection as follows using the appropriate Aerial Lift Inspection Checklist in Appendix B.

• The inspection must be made daily or when the aerial lift is used;
• When aerial lifts are used on a round-the-clock basis, they shall be inspected before each shift;
• The inspection shall identify conditions that affect or could affect the safe operation of the aerial lift;
• If any unsafe condition(s) exists, the lift shall be removed from service and tagged “out of service” until proper repairs or concerns are addressed;
• If an operator discovers any operational or safety concern, immediately notify the supervisor so they can notify the person responsible for the repairs; and
• Repairs shall only be made by a qualified service technician.

Work area inspection

• Prior to operating an aerial lift, the work area shall be inspected to ensure that conditions are safe enough to operate the lift.  The inspection can be completed by utilizing the Job Site Inspection Checklist (part of the Aerial List Inspection Checklist) from Appendix B. 
• Operators must ensure that pedestrian traffic has been diverted appropriately.

Aerial lift inspection

• Prior to operating an aerial lift, the operator must perform an inspection of the lift utilizing the Aerial Lift Inspection Checklist from Appendix B. 
• Completed forms shall be kept with the lift.

Battery Inspection

Protective acid resistant gloves, goggles and long sleeves shall be worn when checking the battery fluid levels and/or replacing battery electrolyte.  Batteries shall be inspected for:

• Proper electrolyte fluid levels;
• Cracks and holes;
• Unsecured or leading cells;
• Frayed electrical cables;
• Broken or cracked insulation material;
• Ensuring all connections are tight; and
• Confirming that the vent cap is not clogged.

Personal fall protection equipment inspection

• Personal fall protection equipment shall be inspected prior to each use. 
• The inspection shall consist of a visual inspection checking for mildew, wear, damage or other deterioration. 
• Defective equipment shall be taken out of service if it will not provide adequate protection.  Report defective equipment to the operator’s supervisor.

Fall protection requirements

Employees working in an aerial lift must adhere to all manufacturer’s recommendations and this Program to ensure safe operation and use. 

• Employees are prohibited from extending their upper body outside of the basket or over any of the guardrails present on the lift they are using. 
• Employees shall ensure that the lift platform chains are connected or doors are closed before operating the lift.
• Employees working in a bucket truck or boom lift are required to wear a full body harness and a lanyard connected to an appropriate attachment point on the bucket or boom. 
• Employees working in a scissor lift or vertical man lift that are equipped with anchor points are required to wear fall protection equipment.  If guardrails are not present on the scissor lift or vertical man lift, then employees are required to wear fall protection equipment.
• Employees wearing fall protection equipment are required to following the procedures identified in the IU Fall Protection Program.

Electrical hazards

Aerial lifts shall not be operated within 10 feet of overhead power lines unless the operator is a qualified electrician and has completed the necessary electrical safety training, has proper knowledge, protective equipment and tools necessary to work on the equipment safely.  The 10-foot clearance applies to any part of the lift, the operator, tools, materials and equipment in use. 

When qualified electricians are operating within the 10-foot clearance area, personnel on the ground must not be in contact with any part of the aerial lift.  

Mechanical failures

All aerial lifts shall have auxiliary (ground) controls so the platform or basket can be safely lowered to the ground in the event that the operator platform controls fail or the operator can not operate the basket controls.

Operators shall never attempt to climb out of the basket or climb down the boom in the event of mechanical failure. 

Ground controls can be used by another authorized operator if the stranded operator grants permission.  Permission is implied if the operator is unconscious.

Tip-over

Tip-over can occur when aerial lifts are operated on soft or uneven ground, if the rated load limit is exceeded or if the lift is struck by a large object or vehicle.  To avoid a tip-over:

• Do not exceed the manufacturer’s rated load capacity limits;
• Avoid unnecessary travel with the lift in an elevated position;
• Establish a work area perimeter;
• Do not drive near leading edges or holes;
• Do not raise the platform on a slope or drive onto a slope when elevated;
• Do not drive on uneven or soft surfaces when elevated;
• Do not exceed the vertical and horizontal reach limits of the lift;
• Do not use the lift in windy conditions exceeding 20 miles per hour; and
• Avoid excessive horizontal forces when working from an elevated lift.

Signs, caution tape, and barriers

• The aerial lift boom and basket shall never be positioned above pedestrians or other workers.  
• If an aerial lift is going to be used in an area near pedestrian traffic, operators are required to isolate the work area by establishing a perimeter and safely diverting the pedestrian traffic. 
  • Danger signs, caution tape and/or barriers shall be used to create the perimeter of the work area.  The perimeter must be delineated in a way so that the boom and basket remain in the work area during all work positions.  If the work area is limited, operators may only position the boom as far as the established perimeter.

General Requirements

• All aerial lift operators are required to successfully complete the classroom aerial lift operator training program along with hands-on training prior to operating any aerial lift. 

• All operators must be retrained every three years through successful completion of the hands-on training. 

• If operators cannot demonstrate proficiency or are involved in an Incident using the lift, all training must be repeated.

Classroom Training

The classroom training shall consist of:

• Responsibility;
• Pre-operation inspection;
• Function tests; and
• Safe operation.

Hands-on Training

The Hands-on training shall consist of:

• Location of the operators manual inside the storage box on the lift;

• Understanding the information in regards the pre-operation inspection;

• Understanding all control functions, decals and warning;

• How to operate the lift correctly.  The user must show that they know how to   use the lift properly and safely; and

• Awareness and understanding of all safety devices specific to the aerial lift they will be using.

Recordkeeping

Inspection forms shall be retained by the department for a period of four years.